- Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has sparked a debate about the Odinga family’s political legacy
- Khalwale said the ODM leader asked Rosemary to prepare to be his political successor, starting from the Kibra constituency
- He recalled how he accompanied Rosemary to her first political rally in Kamkunji, describing her as confident and articulate.
- He added that Raila’s plan was interrupted by Rosemary’s sudden illness where she lost her sight which forced her to leave politics
Kakamega – Senator Boni Khalwale has sparked a debate about the political future of the Odinga family following the death of Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
The MP has claimed that Raila appointed his daughter Rosemary Odinga as his preferred successor and not Winnie Odinga or Raila Junior, as many assumed.
What sparked the debate about Raila’s successor?
During an interview on Shahidi TV covering Raila’s funeral and subsequent speeches, Khalwale gave a rare insight into Raila’s political plans.
Khalwale’s remarks come amid speculation about which of Raila’s children could step into the political vacuum left by the long-time opposition leader.
Winnie’s impassioned speech at a state funeral, in which she hinted at “coming home” has fueled public curiosity about her next move.
“I can’t speak for Winnie because I have never shared a conversation with her apart from when I met her to congratulate her for being elected to EALA and told her I voted for you, and indeed I voted for her. So I don’t know her thoughts. However, when she made that statement, I sat with Eugene Wamalwa, and I called to her side and told her that?” I want to stay in EALA. He wanted to be more visible in the politics of this country before 2027 because I suspect he wants to shoot for something,” Khalwale said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iframe%3E
Who was Raila supposed to choose as his successor?
The senator revealed what he described as Raila’s personal interest in succession within his family.
He explained that many people failed to speak during Raila’s funeral there Bondo but they had a deep understanding of his plans.
Khalwale revealed that Raila had already started grooming Rosemary to continue his political legacy after the death of his eldest son, Fidel Odinga.
“As I can say without fear and controversy, to prove to Kenyans that the father’s choice among his children who would succeed him was not Raila Junior, it was not Winnie. After Fidel died, Raila told Rosemary to prepare to be the Member of Parliament for Kibra,” Khalwale said.
According to Khalwale, the program was started many years ago, recalling how Rosemary came to him for guidance when she decided to enter politics.
“Rosemary came to me and told me, I would like you to take me to Kibra. And I took Kibra to his first meeting at the Kamkunji Grounds, which is very important in the Kibra constituency,” he said.
Source: Twitter
He described Rosemary as confident and articulate, adding that her entry into politics was blessed by her father.
However, Rosemary’s political journey was cut short early when she fell ill and later lost her eyesight.
Khalwale revealed that Raila often traveled to South Africa to visit him in hospital and later shared information with him after returning home.
“Raila was going to South Africa to visit her in the hospital, and when he was coming to Nairobi, he told me, your friend has greeted you. He will do well, he will be fine. That is the girl Raila wanted to inherit. Yes, Rosemary,” he said.
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